#89. An Unexpected Meeting (3)
It was a relief.
If Pavel had flared up here, no matter the reason, all the blame would have fallen on him.
But then—
“Hmm, but I heard there was a troublesome problem.”
Natalya the Great, who had been watching them closely, spoke.
“On the way here, you were attacked by monsters, and the chest holding your ceremonial clothes was damaged, wasn’t it?”
How did she know that?
Dmitri might have reported the monster attack, but not the detail about the chest of clothes.
Maybe it was true that an Emperor should have insight that sees the whole empire from her seat.
‘Or maybe she pays closer attention to the Volkov family.’
Sasha calmly replied.
“Yes. That’s why I went out yesterday to buy formal clothes for the title ceremony. That’s when I happened to meet Your Majesty.”
“Aha, I see!”
Natalya gripped her chair’s armrest and spoke loudly.
“But the clothes you bought in a rush won’t be very good, right? Isn’t that so?”
Before Sasha and Pavel could answer, she continued.
“At last I can repay you. Our palace has many unused dresses and formal clothes. If they are altered a little, you could wear them.”
Sasha and Pavel looked at each other.
As they exchanged glances, Ruslan added,
“The heirlooms have been well kept, so they are in good condition.”
Then he turned to Sasha.
“I think the blue dress my mother often wore would suit you, madam.”
His blue eyes sparkled beautifully as he looked at Sasha.
Pavel could never let that pass.
Before Sasha could answer, Pavel spoke.
“Sorry, Your Highness, but my wife suits red much better than blue.”
He ended in a firm tone and stared challengingly at Ruslan.
Ruslan turned from Sasha and looked at Pavel with interest.
Their red and blue eyes clashed in the air.
Irina, who had been quiet, cut in.
“Shouldn’t the lady herself choose what color and design she wants to wear?”
Natalya agreed cheerfully.
“That’s right. It’s her dress, so she should pick what she likes. But I never knew men cared so much about clothes!”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Then, Ruslan, you can help him pick his ceremonial clothes.”
Ruslan smiled slyly and looked away.
“Then, should I lend him the clothes I wore? Judging by his size, the ones I wore two years ago might fit.”
Pavel’s face twisted.
He was six years younger than Ruslan, and though an adult, Pavel’s body wasn’t as fully grown. Ruslan was taller and broader.
It hurt Pavel’s pride.
But this time he didn’t act childish. He didn’t rage to cover his pride like he had with Andrei.
“There’s no need. Your Highness must be very busy.”
Pavel refused gracefully, sounding like a noble.
Ruslan only smiled wider.
“Busy, yes, but I can’t neglect a guest. And you are the ones who helped Her Majesty—I must treat you with care.”
Ruslan acted as if he didn’t notice Pavel’s irritation, winking at him.
Their battle of nerves continued.
‘Should I stop them?’
Sasha tried to take Pavel’s hand again, but Irina spoke.
“Then I’ll help the lady. Would that be alright?”
Sasha turned to her.
Irina’s sharp eyes looked like they were trying to pierce through her.
Sasha felt uneasy but forced it down.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
Irina smiled.
“Call me Irina. I’ll pick the dress that suits you best, so don’t worry.”
The women’s conversation was warm, unlike the men’s clash. Because of that, Pavel and Ruslan also quieted down and finished the meal peacefully.
After lunch, Sasha went with Princess Irina to her palace.
While the maids prepared dresses in the side room, the two drank tea and talked.
The topic was mostly about life in the north. Irina, who had never left central Kalita, was fascinated.
“Everything is ready.”
At the maid’s words, Irina stood.
“Shall we go choose a dress?”
They went into the small room filled with dresses—royal heirlooms, the late crown princess’s favorites, and Irina’s latest purchases.
Expensive, luxurious dresses of every style and color filled the room.
“What style do you like?”
“I don’t have any preference.”
“Then may I choose for you?”
“It would be my honor.”
Irina smiled brightly.
“It’s fun. It reminds me of dressing dolls.”
She held up several dresses against Sasha, finally recommending a dark blue one once beloved by her late mother, the crown princess.
“You are elegant and calm, so this will suit you well.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Would you like to try it on?”
With Irina and the maids’ help, Sasha changed into it.
While the corset was tightened, Irina asked softly,
“You and your husband seem very close.”
“…We do?”
“Yes. At the meal, you two looked affectionate.”
“…Ah.”
Sasha hadn’t thought they looked that way.
Irina smiled.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but you two spoke comfortably, like old friends. It was surprising.”
“Ah…”
In this empire, noble marriages were often political, not affectionate. Many couples were colder than strangers.
But Sasha and Pavel weren’t like that.
Sasha explained kindly.
“We grew up together, almost like siblings.”
“I see.”
Irina touched the hem of the skirt, then asked carefully,
“You don’t have children yet… is that because you care for each other too much like siblings?”
“…What?”
Did she hear that right? What was the meaning of such a question?
“Um…”
Sasha blinked, unable to answer. Irina quickly apologized.
“Oh, I shouldn’t have asked. Sorry.”
With an awkward smile, she stood.
“I’ll leave you to look around more slowly.”
“…Yes.”
Sasha didn’t stop her. The question was still unsettling.
When Irina left with the maids, Sasha was alone.
She fixed the buttons and looked in the mirror.
The dress was gorgeous, but outdated and heavy in color.
Still, thanks to her beauty and mature air, it suited her fairly well.
Not the best choice among so many dresses, but she wasn’t in the mood to fuss.
Irina made her uncomfortable—Sasha didn’t want to spend more time with her.
So she decided to settle on this dress.
“Then… should I take it off now?”
Since she couldn’t remove it alone, she thought of calling someone.
She went to the door and carefully opened it.
The sound was so faint no one outside could notice.
But then—
“…Huh?”
Sasha blinked rapidly.
There stood Princess Irina, but not alone.
‘Why is Pavel there?’
Sasha only saw his back, but she knew it was him.
Irina and Pavel were standing very close, talking.
Irina looked lively and cheerful.
‘What are they talking about…? They look too close.’
Then—
“?!”
Irina suddenly fell into Pavel’s arms.
Pavel caught her, one arm around her waist, the other on her shoulder.
Even from afar, it looked tender.
‘What is this…?’
Sasha gasped, startled by the scene.
She quickly pulled back and closed the door.
Click.
Leaning against it, she pressed her hand to her racing heart.
Her thoughts tangled.
‘Do they… have feelings for each other?’
Otherwise, how could they look so close?
What Sasha had just seen was too intimate to be without meaning.
